The Beauty of Winter

Good morning, my friends. I hope you will enjoy your visit today. Find your coffee or tea and make yourself comfy while I share a few thoughts on ‘The Beauty of Winter.’

I have always thoroughly enjoyed the winter season. Actually, it never seems quite long enough for me. Too many books to read, garden catalogs to study, new recipes to try, and not to mention things which require attention in our home. Please don’t throw stones at me, but I even love winter weather. To me, there is such beauty and peace in the snow and frost covered bare trees and landscape.

Frozen beads of ice look like diamonds scattered about. This is especially gorgeous on a sunny morning before the sun melts the diamonds.

“There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every spray every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.” ~ William Sharp

“Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude.” ~ Louie Schwartzberg

In the winter, to me, the birds appear brighter in color. Perhaps that is because they don’t compete with the leaves on the trees or the multitude of bloom colors. In reality, it is probably because I notice them more. Time is a wonderful gift of winter.

“Oh, what will I do, what will I say, when those white wings touch the shore?” ~ Mary Oliver, “The Swan”

“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.” ~John Boswell

Lingering over a meal is a luxury, especially with the soft glow of candlelight providing such grand ambiance. A simple bowl of delicious soup (recipe at the end of this post), is ever so lovely when enjoyed by candlelight. I often think, perhaps in our attempt to obtain quicker and better, we may be missing the beauty of a calmer, gentler and sweeter life.

“In winter we lead a more inward life. Our hearts are warm and cheery, like cottages under drifts whose windows and doors are half concealed, but from whose chimneys the smoke cheerfully ascends.” ~H. D. Thoreau

It is a lovely thing to pull a chair to the fire, sip a glass of wine and have a delightful conversation with a loved one or friend.

Or curl up in a comfy chair with a good lamp and a wonderful book. And speaking of books, the following are beside my chair, waiting for me. I will let you know my thoughts about them. In the meantime, are you reading something wonderful you would like to share?

“The reward upon finishing a great book is wisdom.” ~ Unknown

In closing, all living beings and things need rest in order to bloom. I hope you will enjoy these winter days, they will pass all too quickly. Let’s not rush them.

And…

“I pray this winter be gentle and kind ~ a season of rest from the wheel of the mind… ~ John Geddes

Wishing you beautiful and serene winter days.

Au Revoir,

Sandra

Images: ~ (Via Tumblr) Unless otherwise stated, I do not claim ownership of these photos. These photos are the work of tremendously talented people and I simply compiled them for your enjoyment.

Cream of Mushroom soup

1/4 cup butter

2 Tbls. olive oil

2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

3 (8 oz.) packages sliced baby portobello mushrooms

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 Tbls. dry sherry ~ this is optional, but I think it is wonderful in the soup.

Wow, what a beautiful perspective on winter! I always enjoy the downtime from the garden to read and get excited for the season to come, but I have too often fretted over the worries of home maintenance during harsh winter weather. This certainly shows the beauty in the beast. I hope I can embrace it all much better as the days go by.

Thank you so much, Rita. When we returned to WV I looked forward to the winters I remembered as a child. But those winters no longer seem to occur. My dad always said, “I can wade through it easier than I can shovel it.” Not too much ever worried my dad and I try to remember his words and his outlook when I become anxious. Curl up with your books and catalogs and enjoy!

Your soup is similar to one I make! I would love winter, if I did not get stuck inside when it snows. It takes about 3-4 days for the plows to get here when we have more than a couple of inches. I do love sitting by the fire though!

You have given me a new vision for winter. It seems to be my least favorite season, but I am going to take your advice and try to appreciate it more. We are having a winter storm today…mainly ice. I wish we would get some snow. We used to get some nice ones, but it seems the past years all we seem to get is ice. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for some pretty snow, soon! Enjoy your day, sweet friend!!!

Thanks, Shannon. I wouldn’t be very happy with ice storms either. Ice is so dangerous and destructive. I hope you see some pretty snow – we don’t have the snows we once did either. Anyway, stay in, keep warm and dream of things you want to do. I know your mind must be whirling, you always do so many pretty things. Happy day to you, dear friend.

Sandra, I am so glad I saved reading your lovely post until this afternoon with a cup of tea in hand! I have always loved winter, with the bare trees looking so architectural, and the cardinals so bright against a brown background. The photos capture the essence of the season and your thoughts are beautifully written, as always. Your two books will definitely be on my list. I have read all of Peter Mayle’s previous books and was totally immersed in his life in Provence. Historical fiction always grabs my attention, I will be looking forward to your reviews! The… Read more »

Oh, goodness Pam, your comments are so beautiful. I will definitely let everyone know about the books. I, too, enjoy historical fiction, especially of WWII and France and England. I am anxious to read Peter Mayle’s book as this is his last one shortly before he passed away. I do believe you will enjoy the mushroom soup on one of your cold, rainy evenings. It is a treat – just like you. Thank you, Pam, for taking the time to give such a thoughtful comment, it means a great deal and I know you stay ever so busy. Have a… Read more »

Hello, dear Laura. I am sure you have a lovely view of winter from your upstairs room. There is something special about the view from an upstairs room. I enjoy looking down on our garden from our upstairs windows. Ice, while scary, is lovely on tree branches. Happy New Year to you and yours !

Someone who loves winter as much as I do! What a nice surprise as I was beginning to think I was the only one. Winter has just begun and so many are wishing it on its way out. Each season is so beautiful with its own gifts and you have portrayed winter’s gifts so beautifully here. I luxuriated in them! In fact I pulled this post off onto my desktop so I can again revisit it. Each picture is a winter joy that I don’t want to miss, that I want to sink into. Getting some snow would help as… Read more »

Dewena, thank you for your wonderful comments. Yes, I love winter and as I said, “it is never quite long enough to suit me.” And it’s beauty is exquisite. However, here in North Central West Virginia, we have not had much winter weather either. We have had a light dusting of snow once and a few flurries here and there. Like you, I am in hopes February will bring us winter. Have a lovely day.